Sudharsan returns with authority, powers Gujarat Titans with fluent IPL hundred

Sai Sudharsan brushed aside doubts over form with a commanding, 57-ball hundred — his third in the IPL—steering Gujarat Titans’ innings with poise and precision against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Opening alongside Shubman Gill, Sudharsan stitched a crucial 128-run stand for the first wicket after Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted to field, laying the foundation for a formidable total. The innings was not just about runs, but about control—an exhibition of timing and temperament that underlined his growing stature.

The century placed Sudharsan in elite company. He became the 14th batter to register an IPL hundred against RCB and only the second from Gujarat Titans after Gill’s feat in the 2023 season.

Yet, the knock began modestly. His first boundary came via a thick outside edge, racing past short third. But there was no sign of anxiety—only quiet assurance. A guided steer and a crisp cover drive followed, signalling a batter settling into rhythm rather than chasing it.

RCB’s bowlers failed to sustain discipline, and Sudharsan capitalised with calculated aggression. He pulled and cut Rasikh Salam for back-to-back boundaries, before unveiling his range against Josh Hazlewood—scooping him fine, lifting him over cover-point for six, and piercing the field behind point in a single over that tilted momentum.

Reaching 41 off 27 balls, Sudharsan ensured Gujarat Titans maintained a steady scoring rate through the powerplay, which closed at 57 without loss. His half-century came off 33 balls, marked by a controlled scoop off Romario Shepherd — a shot emblematic of his measured approach.

In the middle overs, he shifted gears seamlessly. A towering uppercut off Krunal Pandya and a slog sweep soon after brought up a significant personal milestone — 2000 IPL runs. Achieved in just 47 innings, it made him the fastest to the mark in tournament history, surpassing Chris Gayle.

There was no easing off. Sudharsan dictated terms against Suyash Sharma, launching him over wide long-off and following it with a straight hit, continuing to control the tempo with minimal risk.

His innings, however, ended against the run of play when Hazlewood used bounce and pace to dismiss him. By then, Sudharsan had already done the damage — restoring rhythm to his own campaign and driving Gujarat Titans into a commanding position with an innings defined by composure, clarity, and class.